What happened
A training mission departed from Dar es Salaam Intl Airport during the early evening hours. The flight was being conducted by a crew consisting of one instructor and two pilots. While the aircraft was on its return approach to the airport, it became uncontrollable and entered a steep dive.
The twin engine airplane impacted a wooded region located approximately 35 km northwest of Dar es Salaam Airport, near Karege. The impact caused the airframe to be destroyed and resulted in a post-crash fire. There were three fatalities among the crew members, with no survivors reported.
Flight records indicate varying levels of experience among the occupants. The instructor pilot had accumulated 5,295 total flying hours, with 446 hours specifically on this aircraft type. The two other pilots had significantly less experience, with total flight times of 300 hours and 296 hours respectively, both having very limited time on this specific model.
Findings
Investigators were unable to establish a definitive cause for the loss of control. However, two primary scenarios were examined during the inquiry. One possibility involves a mechanical or operational error where the left engine's power lever was at idle while the reverse thrust mechanism was simultaneously engaged.
An alternative theory suggests that the aircraft may have become uncontrollable due to a sudden and intense fire originating in the right engine. Authorities also noted that they could not rule out the possibility of intentional pilot action.